Scottish Terrier

Temperament & Personality

You’ll find that Scottish Terriers pack a big personality into a small frame. Bred as tenacious hunters, Scotties are alert, confident, and often quite independent. They tend to be affectionate and loyal with their families, though not typically “lap dogs” in the cuddly sense. With strangers, a Scottie can be somewhat aloof or watchful – their natural instinct is to be a vigilant little watchdog. In fact, many Scotties will bark at unfamiliar people or animals near their home, sounding off with a surprisingly deep bark for their size. This protective streak, combined with their bravery, earned the breed the nickname “the Diehard.” Despite that toughness, they are sensitive souls with a dignified streak. Early socialization helps ensure your Scottie grows into a well-mannered companion who is polite (if a bit reserved) with visitors. Overall, expect an independent, spirited dog who bonds closely with family and isn’t afraid to stand up for them if needed.

Care, Living Environment, & Grooming

Scottish Terriers adapt well to various living situations. Their small size (around 10 inches tall, ~20 pounds) makes them suitable for apartments, as long as they get daily walks and playtime. They enjoy a secure yard to sniff and explore, but always use a fence – Scotties have a strong prey drive and will chase squirrels, rabbits, or even much larger dogs without hesitation. Because of this instinct, it’s best to keep them on-leash outside confined areas. Scotties handle cool climates well (they were bred in Scotland, after all), but you should protect them from extreme heat due to their dense coat and low profile close to hot ground.

Grooming a Scottish Terrier is more involved than many short-legged breeds. They have a wiry double coat that requires routine care to stay neat. Basic home grooming includes brushing out the coat at least once a week to prevent mats, especially in their signature beard and underbelly. Many owners bring Scotties to a professional groomer every 1–2 months for clipping or hand-stripping to maintain that classic Scottie silhouette (the skirted belly and eybrowed face). Key grooming tasks include:

• Brushing: Comb through the wiry coat weekly to remove dead hair and prevent tangles, focusing on the beard, legs, and belly.
• Coat Trimming: Every 2–3 months, have the coat hand-stripped (for a coarse show coat) or clipped shorter for easier maintenance. This keeps the fur tidy and comfortable.
• Bathing: Bathe as needed (usually every month or two) – too frequent baths can soften the harsh coat. Always dry them thoroughly.
• Nails & Ears: Trim nails about monthly and check ears weekly for debris or irritation. Scotties can be prone to wax build-up, so gentle ear cleaning may be part of grooming.

In terms of exercise, Scotties have a moderate energy level. They love brisk walks and a bit of play, but they’re not endurance athletes. Plan on about 30 minutes of exercise each day, which can be split between walks and interactive play sessions. Puzzle toys or supervised digging in a sandbox can also satisfy their mental and instinctual needs (they were bred to dig out vermin). Feeding your Scottie a balanced diet in two measured meals per day (rather than free-feeding) will help maintain a healthy weight – this breed does enjoy treats, so be mindful not to overdo them. With proper care and a loving home, a Scottish Terrier will thrive whether in a cozy city apartment or a spacious suburban yard, as long as they’re by your side.

Training & Socialization

Training a Scottish Terrier can be both entertaining and occasionally challenging. These dogs are intelligent but famously strong-willed – they often have their own opinions on things! As a first-time Scottie owner, you’ll want to approach training with patience, consistency, and a good sense of humor. Harsh methods won’t work on this sensitive breed; instead, use positive reinforcement like treats, praise, and play to motivate them. Keep training sessions short and fun, since Scotties may get bored or stubborn if you drill one thing for too long. For example, practice a few obedience commands for 10 minutes, then break for a play session.

Early socialization is very important for Scotties. Introduce your puppy to a variety of people, friendly dogs, and environments during the formative months. This helps temper their natural territorial and guarding instincts so they don’t become overly suspicious or snappy with newcomers. Puppy classes or playgroups can be a great way to expose a young Scottie to other dogs in a controlled setting. Keep in mind that many Scotties are not the “dog park socialite” type – they prefer familiar friends and can be feisty if challenged. Always supervise interactions with larger dogs; a Scottie won’t back down even if the other dog is much bigger.

Because of their prey drive, teaching a reliable recall (“come”) and using a leash are critical – a Scottie might ignore commands if fixated on a fleeing squirrel. Consistent boundaries in the home (like crate training and house rules) will help an independent Scottie understand that you are gently in charge. When they know what’s expected, they are quite well-behaved. In fact, many Scotties excel in obedience or agility with the right encouragement, and they absolutely thrive on the mental stimulation of learning new tricks. Overall, expect to do firm but loving training. With patience and positivity, your Scottie will learn to listen… at least when it doesn’t conflict with their own plan!

Health Considerations

Scottish Terriers are generally sturdy little dogs, but like all breeds they have some hereditary health concerns to be aware of. The average life span of a Scottie is around 12–13 years, which is fairly typical for a small breed. Responsible breeders will screen for known issues in the breed. Common health problems in Scotties include:

• Von Willebrand’s disease: A genetic blood clotting disorder that can cause excessive bleeding from minor wounds.
• Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO): An inherited condition causing irregular bone growth in the jaw of young dogs, leading to pain and difficulty chewing (usually occurs in puppies and often resolves by one year of age).
• “Scottie Cramp”: A quirky neurological disorder unique to the breed that can cause a Scottish Terrier to have awkward gait spasms when excited or stressed. It isn’t painful and dogs are normal between episodes.
• Patellar Luxation: A common small-dog issue where the kneecap can slip out of place, leading to intermittent limping or skipping steps. Mild cases are manageable, while severe cases might need surgery.
• Bladder Cancer (TCC): Scottish Terriers have a markedly higher risk of transitional cell carcinoma (a type of bladder cancer) than most breeds – studies suggest they are about 20 times more likely to develop it than the average dog. Owners should be alert to urinary symptoms (blood in urine, straining) and seek prompt vet care if they appear.
• Eye Disorders: As Scotties age, they can develop vision issues like cataracts or glaucoma. Regular vet eye exams can catch these problems early.

It’s wise to discuss these potential issues with your veterinarian. Some conditions like vWD have DNA tests available, and annual check-ups (including urinalysis for older Scotties, given the bladder cancer risk) are recommended. Keeping your Scottie at a healthy weight and on recommended heartworm/flea preventatives will also contribute to a long, healthy life. With good care, many Scotties live long lives – it’s not uncommon for them to reach their teens.

Cost of Ownership

The average annual cost of owning a Scottish Terrier is about $1,200. This includes all the day-to-day necessities and routine vet care. Food for a small breed like the Scottie will run roughly $20–$30 a month (around $300–$400 per year) for quality dog food. Routine veterinary expenses (yearly exam, vaccinations, and preventative medications) might be about $300 per year. Scotties also have higher-than-average grooming costs – expect to spend around $300 annually on grooming if you use a professional, since they need periodic haircuts to maintain their coat. Pet health insurance, if you opt for it, could be another ~$300 per year for a breed like this. Don’t forget miscellaneous costs like toys, treats, a leash and harness, and poop bags, which can add a few hundred dollars. The first year with your Scottie may cost more (possibly $2,000 or more) due to one-time purchases like a crate, puppy vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and training classes. Overall, budgeting around $100 per month is a good baseline. In return, you get a charming little companion – a worthy investment!

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Big personality in a small package: entertaining, bold, and loyal
• Low-shedding, wiry coat: often better for some allergy sufferers
• Adaptable to apartment living or small homes
• Devoted and protective watchdog for your family

Cons

• Stubborn and independent streak can make training challenging
• Tendency to bark when alerting (may require training in quiet command)
• High grooming needs (regular brushing and professional trims)
• Strong prey drive: not reliable off-leash and will chase critters
• Can be aloof or less tolerant of other pets without early socialization

Fun Facts

• A Scottish Terrier named Fala was President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s beloved pet. Fala became so famous that he’s honored with a statue at the FDR Memorial in Washington, D.C.
• The classic Monopoly board game token of a little dog is modeled after a Scottish Terrier. The “Scottie dog” game piece has been a favorite since it was introduced in the 1950s.
• Scottish Terriers earned the nickname “Diehard” – a term reportedly given by a British captain after a regiment called “The Diehards,” reflecting the breed’s tenacity and never-give-up attitude.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Scottish Terriers shed a lot?

No – Scottish Terriers are considered low-shedding dogs. Their wiry coat does not drop much fur compared to many breeds. You’ll see only light shedding, especially if you brush them weekly. This makes Scotties a cleaner choice for the home than heavy shedders.

Are Scottish Terriers good apartment dogs?

Yes, a Scottish Terrier can adapt well to apartment living. They are small and fairly calm indoors. However, you will need to provide daily walks and play to meet their exercise needs and prevent boredom. Also, be mindful of barking – with training and sufficient stimulation, a Scottie can live happily even in a small space.

How much exercise does a Scottish Terrier need?

Scotties require moderate exercise, roughly 30 minutes per day. A couple of brisk walks and a play session will usually keep them content. They enjoy exploring scents and digging, so allowing some safe sniffing time or play in a fenced area is great. While not high-endurance dogs, regular activity is important to keep them fit and prevent mischief born of boredom.

Can first-time owners handle a Scottish Terrier?

Yes, first-time owners can manage a Scottish Terrier, but they should be prepared for the breed’s independent nature. Scotties aren’t as eager-to-please as some breeds, so training requires patience and consistency. Enrolling in puppy classes and educating yourself on positive reinforcement methods will be very helpful. With commitment and a good sense of humor, a novice owner can successfully raise a happy, well-behaved Scottie.

References

1. The Spruce Pets - Scottish Terrier Dog Breed Profile
2. Dog Academy - Scottish Terrier: Your Complete Guide
3. Scottish Terrier Club of America - Scottie Character
4. Scottish Terrier Health Network - Bladder Cancer and TCC